This civic engagement class will explore how students can be active participants in society by defining and practicing the integration of art and social change. Community organizations find creative solutions to political, social, and economic issues in urban, rural, and global communities. Community artists have been collaborating with and working for community organizations, service providers, cultural and educational institutions, and government agencies as active agents for social engagement and change. This class will survey the Middletown arts community, including Kidcity, Oddfellows, the Buttonwood Tree, ArtFarm, and Wesleyan's Green Street Art Center, as well as individual artists living in Middletown Artist Cooperative (MAC) 650, an art space. Students will be integrated into activities and programs, attend community and board meetings, and meet with founders, directors, and artists to understand the social dynamics that infuse art into everyday society and create environments that offer distinct and unique partnerships and collaborations. Students will also be introduced to WESU 88.1 FM, a community service of Wesleyan University. Class deliverables will be public service announcements, Main Street monologues, and other creative methods that highlight and showcase the arts in Middletown.

Additional Requirements and/or Comments: This class will focus on partnerships and collaborations with Middletown artists and organizations. Students should feel comfortable being off campus and interacting with North End residents.